As of June 19, 2024, Yellowstone National Park and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks implemented their annual “hoot owl” fishing restrictions just days before the official start of summer. These closures aren’t just routine—they’re essential. Driven by rising temperatures and declining river flows, these midday-to-evening shutdowns are designed to protect wild trout from the fatal stress of warm water and overexertion.
For anglers staying with Kabino in Island Park, this shift doesn’t mean your fishing trip is a bust—it just means it’s time to get creative.
Where You Can’t Fish (After 2 p.m.)
- Firehole River & its tributaries
- Gibbon River below Norris Campground
- Madison River through Yellowstone and above Hebgen Lake
- Sun River in Montana
- Other storied rivers like the Big Hole, Beaverhead, Ruby, Clark Fork, and Bitterroot have also faced similar restrictions.
These closures, often lasting well into late summer, are now a part of the new normal across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Where You Should Fish Instead
If you’re staying at one of Kabino’s cabins in Island Park, Idaho, you’re in luck. Our region provides cooler, higher-elevation fishing options that remain open and productive when the lowland rivers shut down.
Fish Early, Fish High, or Fish Deep:
- Start early: Morning hours offer cooler water and active trout.
- Explore high-elevation lakes: Island Park is close to mountain lakes that stay cold and fishable throughout the summer.
- Target tailwaters: Head to rivers below reservoirs like the South Fork of the Snake, where cool water releases keep trout comfortable even in midsummer.
Great Nearby Options from Island Park:
- Henry’s Lake – A short drive from many Kabino rentals, this high-elevation lake holds large cutthroat and brook trout. Best fished early morning or from a float tube.
- Box Canyon (Henry’s Fork) – Cold, productive, and legendary for big rainbows. Fish early for best results.
- Buffalo River & Warm River – Smaller, cooler tributaries that stay open and fishable while big rivers shut down.
- Gibbon River (above Norris Campground) – If you venture into Yellowstone, this section stays cooler and offers cutthroat and grayling off the beaten path.
Fish Responsibly—Protect the Future
Even in cooler waters, anglers can make a difference:
- Use barbless hooks
- Land fish quickly
- Keep them wet—avoid removing them from the water
- Wet your hands before handling
- Don’t fish once water temps hit 68°F+
Let’s do our part to preserve the wild trout that make this region so special—for ourselves and for future generations.
Stay Close to the Action
Kabino offers comfortable, well-equipped cabins across Island Park—putting you just minutes from some of the best summer fishing refuges in the West. With easy access to high lakes, cool streams, and tailwaters, our properties help you fish smarter when the rivers get hot.
See Our Island Park Rentals Here!
Final Cast
Fishing closures might seem like bad news, but with a bit of planning—and the right home base—you can still have an unforgettable angling adventure in Island Park. Let Kabino be your gateway to cooler water, wild trout, and the kind of peace only the mountains can offer.
Henrys Lake Goose Bay
4 bedrooms, 3 bathroom, sleeps 9 (Larger boats can access the lake- Landing not far away)
Set the Hook
5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sleeps 12 (Located near Box Canyon)
Hooter Hollow
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 9 (Henrys fork is 5 min drive away)
